2nds Cup Victory at Forest

The game began with a lot of pressure from Forest inside Harborough’s half but they managed to stay strong until the Forest’s physically dominant pack won a series of scrummages which led to Forest’s first 7 points. The pendulum then swung in Harborough’s favour after realising the only option to break the opposition’s strong but narrow defence was to play a more expansive game with Lewis Townsend running a well-timed line off Joe Whitworth’s shoulder and bursting through the Forest’s centre partnership. After a couple of smart pieces of interplay from Harborough’s back line, a penalty was awarded to Harborough on the opposition’s 5 metre line which Steffan Ziemelis took full advantage of by taking a quick penalty and crossing the line for Harborough’s first try.

Within minutes of the restart Harborough were again attacking inside the opposition’s 22 metre line which was again rewarded with another try from Steffan Ziemelis.

Harborough’s ‘purple patch’ of possession continued with a characteristic rampaging run from Aaron Lyle which started on the half way line and finished in the opposition’s in-goal area after dodging, weaving and crashing through the Forest defenders, this was converted by Henry Davis.

A lapse in concentration from Harborough during a scrimmage gifted the Forest scrum half possession of the ball and an open run towards Harborough’s try line which he took full advantage of and scored Forest’s second try. This was then followed by another try for Forest just before half time which left the score at 17 all at half time.

Half time 17-17

After an inspiring team talk and revised strategy was delivered by Harborough’s debut Coaching Team, the player’s had a new lease of life going into the second half and it was not long before they had score the first 7 point of the half through Shaun Morris and Henry Davis. Davis then added two penalties inside the Forest 22 metre line after in-discipline from the Forest front row which resulted in a yellow card being shown for tackling Ian Barnett off the ball who had a number of solid runs with the ball in hand. The final score of the match was delivered by Joe Whitworth, whose trademark sidestep cut through the Forest defence and allowed him to dive across the Forest try line, which unfortunately caused him to pull a hamstring in the process. With their Captain and Flyhalf now off the pitch, Harborough had to dig deep to maintain their lead after a bit or re-organisation of playing positions. However they managed to endure a period of pressure form the Forest attack in the last ten minutes through commitment and grit which left the score line at 37-17 to Harborough when the final whistle was blown. This leaves Harborough searching for a new leader and playmaker for next week’s match after Whitworth’s injury, but with a renewed enthusiasm and team spirit raised after this weekend’s victory this should hopefully be an easier task.

Full time 37-17